Hakuho headlines somber sumo Spring Festival at Yasukuni Shrine

It is an honourable shrine and part of Japan's heritage and history. There is no reason to label it 'controversial" any more than it is right to call Notre Dame in Paris controversial..or any shrine in any country dedicated to faith and spirit of ancestors. I am glad that this traditional ceremony was held in a respectful way.

The events which made it controversial had not yet happened in the Emperor Meiji's day. But his grandson and great-grandson have made their position clear, in their quiet and elegant way.

There is no reason to label it 'controversial" any more than it is right to call Notre Dame in Paris controversial

Oh, does the Notre Dame have a museum dedicated to whitewashing atrocities committed by France? I didn't know that!